From ice cream machines to wheel loaders: the spectrum of engineering products is as broad as the market itself. However, nearly all producers are facing the same major challenges: modernizing production, developing strategies to combat the shortage of skilled work ers, implementing solutions for a more circular economy and improved re- source efficiency.

Under the banner of “Innovate Manufacturing”, EMO Hannover 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for production technology, will be offering engineering companies a wide range of inspiring innovations and solutions. Furthermore, companies will also be able to find suitable partners at the EMO who can provide expert support for their modernization processes. This saves time and minimizes investment risks.

Embracing new technologies

It is now crucial for the sector as a whole – and not just small and medium- sizedenterprises–toembracenewtechnologiesandsolutions.Ideally,these should be scalable, have already proven their effectiveness, and raise effi- ciency levels right from the outset. EMO offers direct access to the leading manufacturers and suppliers of customized production solutions in engineer- ing, and showcases advances in metalworking. Visitors can experience ma- chine tools in action at the fair.They can discuss and confer with industry experts and specialists on the trade fair stands as well as in presentations, workshops and live demonstrations.

“The EMO is unique among the trade fairs in presenting the entire metal working value chain – from machine tools, production systems and additive pro cesses through to precision tools, automation, metrology, quality assurance, Software and accessories,” emphasizes Dr Markus Heering, Executive Director of EMO organizer VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association).The EMO motto “Innovate Manufacturing.” is therefore more than just a slogan,Says  Heering, it is a call to suppliers and users to be bold in exploiting the possibilities opened up by the new technologies.

Digitalization is revolutionizing engineering

This applies in particular to the megatrends of automation, digitalization and Artificial intelligence. Advancing digitalization is revolutionizing engineering, the VDW believes. A decisive factor here is the networking of all machines in the process chain. The opportunity to experience this live is what makes EMO unique. Machine tools now come pre-equipped with extensive sensor and monitoring systems. Exhibitors need to dispel trade visitors’ concerns about the possible loss of data sovereignty or the threat of cyber attacks.

The exhibiting companies believe it is important to facilitate the transition to data- driven production. Systems that run exclusively on or in individual machines and within the customer’s own network will be on display. It is entirely upto users to decide whether they allow the exchange of data – for example, with external parties, such as the machine manufacturer or partners in or outside the value chain, either now or at some point in the future. Genuine added value is created when maintenance cycles can be predicted, downtimes can be mini- mized, or data for documenting the carbon footprint within the supply chain can be issued at the touch of a button.

Machine learning, a sub-area of artificial intelligence, opens up a new dimen- sion of self-organizing production. This allows companies to respond more flexibly to changes in the market and to individual customer demands. It is a crucialprerequisiteformaintaininginnovativityandcompetitivenessinthelong term.

Addressing skilled labor shortages

Digitalization and automation of production can be combined with strategies aimed at countering the shortage of skilled workers in engineering. Automated assistance systems, for instance, can support machine operators while simultaneously increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. In addition to technical solutions, EMO is also addressing the question of how the training programs for the next generation of skilled workers can best be adapted to meet the latest requirements regarding technological development, digitalization and artifcial intelligence.

The changes affecting engineering also include sustainability. More and more countries are taking measures to protect the climate and invest in the green exhibiting companies believe it is important to facilitate the transition to data- driven production. Systems that run exclusively on or in individual machines and within the customer’s own network will be on display. It is entirely upto users to decide whether they allow the exchange of data – for example, with external parties, such as the machine manufacturer or partners in or outside the value chain, either now or at some point in the future. Genuine added value is created when maintenance cycles can be predicted, downtimes can be mini- mized, or data for documenting the carbon footprint within the supply chain can be issued at the touch of a button.

Machine learning, a sub-area of artificial intelligence, opens up a new dimen- sion of self-organizing production. This allows companies to respond more flexibly to changes in the market and to individual customer demands. It is a crucialprerequisiteformaintaininginnovativityandcompetitivenessinthelong term.

Addressing skilled labor shortages

Digitalization and automation of production can be combined with strategies aimed at countering the shortage of skilled workers in engineering. Automated assistance systems, for instance, can support machine operators while simultaneously increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. In addition to technical solutions, EMO is also addressing the question of how the training programs for the next generation of skilled workers can best be adapted to meet the latest requirements regarding technological development, digitalization and artifcial intelligence. The changes affecting engineering also include sustainability. More and more countries are taking measures to protect the climate and invest in the green

Under the banner Innovate Manufacturing, EMO is set to showcase the entire metalworking value chain from 22 to 26 September 2025. This includes cutting and forming machine tools, manufacturing systems, precision tools, automated material handling, computer technology, industrial electronics and accessories. The EMO is held every two years, rotating between Hanover-Hanover–Milan. The event is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.The 2023 EMO drew more than 1,800 exhibitors and just over 92,000 visitors from all over the world to Hanover.